I read a few simple words last summer and they have resonated within me since: "Bloom where you are planted." So, here I am.

This is an unparalleled platform for journaling my life and work. If anything, it's a medium for which I'll hold myself accountable to growth and flourishing creativity. My intention is not to blog because it's a hip and trendy thing to do. In fact, I've hesitated to launch an online journal for a number of reasons, the following three at the forefront:

1. I'm a horrible writer. I can spell, but I am a terrible writer. In response: who cares? No one is perusing a blog to just read anyway, right? I'm a photographer with an endless flow of original content. If "a picture is worth a thousand words," then I'll focus on that. My written word will be casual and fun.

2. To be quite blunt, I find some blogs to be fake and narcissistic. Therefore, mine could be perceived the same way. And sometimes, when I peek into others' seemingly ideal dream lives, I catch myself feeling jealous. You know, the ones who snap selfies dressed in the latest designer fashions while whisking around the globe? Trust me, I'm terrified to put myself out there and to give people the impression that I think my life is worthy of envy. That cannot be further from my goal. I have, however, come to realize that my simple life, unfolding in the same town in which I was born, is pretty great, after all. I'm hoping to inspire you to feel the same way about your life, whatever it may look like.

I aim to be real and honest. Well, mostly real. Let's face it, there are things a person probably shouldn't ever share. We're all human. And, yes, I will tidy up before snapping photos in my home. You might see an image of what appears to be a "perfect" vignette, but know that in reality everything beyond the lens is most likely a chaotic mess and my children are running amuck. More often than not, I'm wearing no makeup plus a disaster of a top knot embellished with a lulu lemon headband and somewhere there's a pile of laundry waiting to be done. By no means am I "perfect" and I do not lead a "perfect" life. Nobody does. My emphasis here will be happiness and positivity. Sometimes life isn't rainbows and butterflies. It wouldn't be the honest truth to deny sharing some of that not-so-pretty reality from time to time.

3. I don't feel as though my life and work fall into a particular category. I'm a wife, mama, photographer, product stylist, vintage lover, coffee drinker, creative type… and I could go on. Then, it dawned on me. That's just it. No one falls into one particular role, anymore. We all wear a number of hats (some more fashionable than others). I find diverse content and well-rounded bloggers to be the most relatable and interesting anyway. I aim to offer a window into both my personal and professional life, in addition to sources of inspiration. I'm excited to feature a spectrum of topics; photography, design, style, home decor, motherhood and more.

Rather than being consumed by self-doubt and fear any longer, I'm choosing to see this as a challenge and face it. With the new year, I'm making an even bigger effort than ever before to seek beauty. I'm going to be braver, more optimistic and find the best in things. I'll look to social media wearing blinders, honing in on the boundless stream of creativity, success, encouragement and inspiration. Hopefully, I can offer some of the same in return. Welcome.